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In all paint projects, the finish is only as good as the surface preparation. This is especially true when painting over stained and varnished trim. Two methods enable varnished surfaces to accept paint – sanding or deglossing. Sanding works well on flat surfaces. It roughens the varnish finish and improves paint adhesion. Deglossing products clean and prepare varnished surfaces at the same time. These products also work well for trim with heavy detailing or deep recesses, areas that are difficult for sandpaper to reach.

Sanding

Clean the trim with general-purpose household cleaner. Remove all traces of residual cleaner by wiping the trim with a sponge and water. Allow the trim to dry.

Sand the trim with a 180-grit sanding sponge or sandpaper. Sand until the varnish is no longer glossy.

Remove all sanding dust. Vacuum as much dust as possible, and then wipe the trim with a water-moistened rag to finish cleaning. Allow the trim to dry before proceeding.

Apply stain-blocking primer to the trim. You can use both water-based and oil-based primers on previously varnished surfaces. The choice of primer is a matter of personal preference. Use a 2-inch paintbrush to apply the primer in a smooth, even coat.

Allow the primer to dry, following the primer manufacturer’s recommendations. Depending on the brand, some primers recommend a second coat. Apply a second coat if directed. Allow the second coat to dry.

Paint the trim with a water-based or oil-based paint. The type of paint to use does not depend on the type of primer applied. You can use water-based paints over oil-based primers and vice-versa.

Deglosser

Cover the floor below the trim with a solvent-resistant drop cloth. Cover the drop cloth with newspaper to soak up any spills.

Put on safety goggles and chemical-resistant gloves.

Soak a lint-free cloth with deglosser.

Clean the trim by wiping the surface with the deglosser in a circular motion. As the cloth becomes soiled, fold it to expose a clean area or use a freshly saturated cloth. Clean the trim to remove all dirt and any white haze.

Paint the trim with deglosser using a 2-inch paintbrush.

Allow the deglosser to dry before applying paint. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended drying and painting times. Most deglossers require 30 minutes to dry, and you can paint the surface within the next 30 minutes.

Paint the trim with a water-based or oil-based paint.

Things You Will Need

General-purpose household cleaner

Sponge

180-grit sanding sponge

180-grit sandpaper

Vacuum

Rags

Stain-blocking primer

2-inch paintbrush

Paint

Solvent-resistant drop cloth

Newspapers

Safety goggles

Chemical-resistant gloves

Lint-free cloth

Deglosser

Warning

Follow safety precautions for all solvent-based products. This includes use of the product and safe disposal of rags and brushes.

About the Author

Drue Tibbits is a writer based in Central Florida, where she attended Florida Southern College. Her articles have appeared in Entrepreneur and Your Home magazines. She has also been profiled in the Florida Today newspaper and the Writer's Digest magazine. In addition to writing brochure copy for local businesses, she helps new start-up companies develop a local image presence.